The 4 Best Dog Ramps for Cars and SUVs

A dog ramp for a car is a great idea if your dog is already struggling with stairs. Photo: Flightbird Pet Ramp

As dogs age, they’re susceptible to a number of infirmities, some of which affect mobility.

A once-agile dog who could leap into the back of a car with no difficulty now struggles just to make it down the front steps.

There are several things you can do around the home to help your dog adjust — higher food bowls, gates preventing access to stairs, etc. — but your pet does have to leave the house and get into a car every once in a while, and that can be a challenge.

Some people simply don’t have the strength to lift their dog in and out of a vehicle, or they have a dog who doesn’t like being lifted.

A dog ramp for a car can be the perfect solution, allowing your dog to get safely in and out of the car without putting undue strain on their legs or hindquarters.

Is a Ramp or Stairs Better for Dogs?

If your pet seems to be able to navigate regular stairs, then steps designed for pets may be a good option.

When your dog jumps down from furniture, they’re taking the brunt of the impact on their joints. Over time, this can contribute to degenerative diseases such as arthritis or myasthenia gravis.

Using steps in your home keeps your dog from taking that jolting impact with every jump. And with smaller-breed dogs, steps can help prevent injuries from jumping off of high surfaces such as beds.

Many people have several sets of steps in their home. They place the steps in front of couches and beds so their pet can safely get up and down. Steps have the benefit of being lightweight and portable, and they’re usually small enough to fit easily inside a car if you need to take them with you.

If your dog is a senior or is already struggling with mobility issues, then it’s time to consider getting a dog ramp for a car. That’s what we’ll discuss in detail below.

If your dog has trouble getting in and out of the vehicle, consider buying a dog ramp for a car. Photo: Leo_65

Dog Ramps for Cars and SUVs: 4 Biggest Things to Look For

When you’re thinking of buying a dog ramp for a car, keep these factors in mind as you shop around:

1. Materials

What’s the dog ramp made of?

Will it be sturdy enough for your dog?

Is it easy to disinfect?

The ramp needs to safely bear your pet’s weight while being light enough for you to move it around. For sanitary reasons, the ramp should be washable.

In addition, the surface should be a nonslip material to prevent injuries.

“Or at least there should be horizontal slats across the dog ramp that the dog can use to help stabilize himself when he is walking up the ramp,” says Colleen Demling, dog behaviorist and certified professional dog trainer at Dogtopia.

“Also, make sure the ramp will lock in place and has non-skid feet,” she says. “We don’t want the ramp moving or collapsing when your dog is using it.”

2. Specifications

Is the dog ramp tall enough to reach the back of the car or truck?

Is the slope appropriate for your pet’s infirmities?

Does the length prevent storage, or does the ramp fold?

Tailor your choice of ramp to your pet’s needs:

A steeper ramp may prove challenging for some pets to walk up.

Likewise, a too-long ramp that doesn’t fold up means you can’t take it with you — which defeats the purpose of having it.

How steep should a dog ramp be?

“The ideal incline for a ramp is about 18–20 degrees,” says Demling.

How wide should a dog ramp be?

The ramp must be wide enough to safely accommodate your pet — and tall enough to reach the seat in your vehicle.

3. Weight

Is the dog ramp heavy enough to stay still while your pet moves up and down?

Can you pick it up?

Look for a ramp that’s solid enough to stay still while your dog uses it, but not so heavy that you can’t easily place it in or remove it from your car.

4. Pet Needs

What does your specific dog need?

Is your dog already struggling with joint pain or other ailments?

How heavy is your dog?

Pets with joint pain need a ramp with a gentler incline. Larger and heavier pets need a stronger ramp.

You can train your dog to use car ramps or stairs by using treats and positive reinforcement. Photo: n-k

How Do I Get My Dog Used to a Ramp?

Some dogs don’t need much coaching to grasp the concept of climbing onto dog ramps. Other dogs may resist the idea, so you’ll have to provide patient training to help your dog adjust.

Cons

How to Make a Dog Ramp for a Car

Take your dog’s weight and size into account, as well as the height the ramp needs to reach while still allowing for a gentle incline. Make sure it has a nonslip surface and grips to allow the ramp to rest firmly on the ground, especially while in use.

With any dog ramp for a car, be sure to supervise your pet to prevent injury. Some ramps have straps to attach them to vehicles while others don’t. Either way, it’s best practice to supervise.